Source: ANEC PRess release ANEC-PR-2013-PRL-015
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The identification of concrete options for action where gaps exist in the European legislative framework for hazardous chemicals in products: this was the aim of a
conference in Brussels yesterday, co-hosted by ANEC and the Consumer Council
of the Austrian Standards Institute (ASI CC).
Held at the European Economic & Social Committee, the conference Hazardous
chemicals in products, the need for an enhanced EU regulation saw speakers
from the European Commission, and authorities from Austria, Belgium, Denmark,
Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden, address food contact materials, water
supply materials, indoor emissions, textiles, toys, child care articles, tattoo
colours and nano-materials.
Information on consumer products was also discussed, prior to a panel debate on
strategies to achieve toxic-free products.
The conference attracted more than 150 participants.
According to the hosts, national regulations or other rules (such as those set by
the Council of Europe) exist, or are in preparation, for various products. They
propose these could be transformed into European legislation with relative ease.
Initiatives in these sectors could aid the commitment of the 7th
Environmental
Action Programme to achieve a toxic-free Europe. Nevertheless, such initiatives
need to be part of a systematic approach to chemicals in consumer products, one
setting broad principles and strategies for all products, as well as provisions for
product-specific requirements, information, monitoring and market surveillance.
With the support of the Austrian Ministry of Health (BMG); Austrian Ministry of
Labour, Social Affairs & Consumer Protection (BMASK); Belgian Public Service for
Health, Food Chain Safety, & Environment (FPS); Danish Environmental
Protection Agency (Danish EPA); Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure & Environment
(IENM); the German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) and Swedish Chemicals
Agency (KEMI), the conference has added to the momentum for change.
A declaration, summarising the goals of the event, is launched today by ANEC &
the ASI Consumer Council, addressed to the European Commissioners for Health;
Consumer Policy, Environment, and Enterprise & Industry.
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Link to the
Joint declaration by ANEC and the ASI Consumer Council
